Biofouling

Biofouling is the build-up of slime, weed, and shell organisms on a hull and propeller, which raises frictional resistance and can add 10 percent or more to fuel consumption and CO2 for a heavily fouled ship. Managing it through effective antifouling coatings, in-water inspection, and cleaning is a core SEEMP efficiency measure and directly improves the CII. The IMO Biofouling Guidelines (resolution MEPC.378(80), 2023) also address the biosecurity risk of transferring invasive species, separate from the antifouling-chemical controls of the AFS Convention.